Bullpen implodes as Yankees fall to Red Sox 12-8

Everything was looking great for the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte finished six strong innings of three run ball, leaving with a five run lead in hopes that he would get his 11th win of the season and his 21st career win over the Boston Red Sox. Instead, Phil Hughes, Boone Logan, Preston Claiborne and Joba Chamberlain gave up nine runs in two innings, giving the Yankees their worst loss of the season.

The Yankees were already having bullpen issues before the game with Joe Girardi saying there was no Mariano Rivera, David Robertson or Shawn Kelley, meaning the Yankees would have to make due with what they had. Unfortunately, making due with what they had lead to a disaster. Phil Hughes gave up four runs, Boone Logan gave up one run, Preston Claiborne gave up three runs and Joba Chamberlain gave up one run. The only pitcher from the bullpen to have a scoreless inning was newcomer Matt Daley.

— Let’s try to focus on some positives here and we’ll start by saying there’s nothing wrong with the Yankees offense. The Yankees have scored 16 runs in their last two games and are averaging five runs a game.

— Milestone Alert: Andy Pettitte had his 2,000 career strikeout as a New York Yankee, passing Whitey Ford on the All-Time Yankees Strikeout list.

— Brett Gardner had his 10th triple of the year, leading the American League in that category. Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angeles is second with 9 triples. Gardner has a career high in hits (143), RBI’s (50), triples (10) and HR’s (8) this season.

— The Yankees suffered another blow to their bullpen tonight. David Robertson has been diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis and has been shut down for the week. Boone Logan has discomfort in his bicep and will have an MRI tomorrow.

— To add a bit of my own opinion here: What happened last night and what happened tonight was completely unacceptable. The Yankees offense scored eight runs in both games which should have been enough for the Yankees to take the first two games of the four game set. Instead, the bullpen imploded both times. What was once their strong point is now the Yankees greatest weakness.